A Ka-Band Reflectarray Antenna Integrated With Solar Cells

A Ka-band reflectarray antenna integrated with solar cells has been designed, manufactured and tested. The electromagnetic characteristics of solar cells as antenna substrates have been studied and measured. The simulation and measurement results of a reflectarray antenna prototype show good radiation characteristics with measured gain of 26.3 dBi and 1-dB gain bandwidth of 8.75%, while having an optical blockage of 17.6% on solar energy. The proposed technique integrates the two largest components on a satellite platform - solar cells and high gain antennas into one, significantly reducing the volume, mass and cost of satellites.